Audit shows RAPS in ‘a little better shape’ than others

By Thomas Reznich

A recent audit presented to the Roscommon Area Public Schools at its regular meeting Nov. 16 showed a declining fund balance, but that the district is “still in a little better shape than other districts,” according to Duane Reyhl, senior manager with Andrews, Hooper, Pavlik, PLC of Saginaw.

“Where Roscommon is, is good news and bad news,” said Reyhl in his presentation to the board, “By maintaining your fund balance (currently projected to be 16% by the end of the school year), you’ve given yourself some time. But you can’t raise taxes and over the next couple of years, it’s going to be tough.” Reyhl also commended the board for keeping the public aware of the financial situation and the measures that have been taken to address it.

The board voted to approve the audit report.

Superintendent Cathy Erickson told the board that high school and middle school students recently took a trip to the University of Michigan, where 2005 Roscommon graduate and Ph.D. candidate Jeff Katalenich, who is working on space-related research, showed them his work. “It was a good opportunity for students to see what is out there beyond Roscommon,” said Erickson.

Erickson also told board members that according to changes in election law passed in the State Legislature, school board elections would only be held in November of even numbered years. She said the bill, which will likely be signed into law by the governor, would require extensions of some of the board members terms of office. She said in the case of Board President Brian Hill, the extension would be 18 months, to which Hill retorted “you must be reading that wrong!,” then asked (tongue in cheek) “Does this come with a free divorce lawyer?”

The board accepted a consent grouping that included a resolution to collect 2012 summer taxes, acceptance of gifts of $300 from Fultz Insurance Agency for the Busy Bee Pre-school program and $1,500 raised by Roscommon High School senior Zac VanWormer during his senior project. VanWormer secured donations from MVW and Associates, Don Nester Chevrolet and Bart’s Fruit Market which will be used to purchase uniforms for the school’s wrestling team.

The board also noted the hiring of Ron Noreyko of St. Helen as varsity wrestling coach.

Hill also noted that he and other Gerrish Township Police officers will be on hand with Transportation Director Rich Stockmeyer at Roscommon Elementary School on the morning of Nov. 28, to hand out flyers to educate parents on the proper procedure when dropping off children at school. Hill said that with winter coming soon, traffic back-ups caused by parents dropping off their students could become dangerous. He said a flyer laying out the proper drop-off procedure will be handed out during the morning.